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Boca Raton is along the route for the Dolphins Cycling Challenge, a tri-county, two-day cycling event to raise money for the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Dolphins Cycling Challenge, taking place November 2 and 3, 2013, is a collaboration between the Miami Dolphins football franchise and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. This is the fourth year of the challenge. The local trio, Michelle Bazargan, Chelsea Midlarsky and Gina Jenkins, who promoted the recent Delray Twilight Festival bike racing event, has joined forces with Dolphins Cycling Challenge’s Michael Mandich and Nick Capo to support the organization and its cause.

Bazargan says the Dolphins Cycling Challenge is just the kind of event she, Midlarsky and Jenkins plan to promote in southern Palm Beach County and beyond.

"The mission of the organization we are building is to inspire and motivate people to get moving, get active and get connected. We connect the community and encourage them to set goals, such as riding this amazing event,” says Delray Beach businesswoman and athlete Michelle Bazargan.

As far as charities go, the Dolphins Cycling Challenge does have a track record. In 2012, the cycling event raised $2,200,000 for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Dolphins Cycling Challenge is for people who are new to the sport, as well as experienced cyclists. There are lots of fundraising opportunities, including 30-mile and 60-mile rides and the big one: two-day, 170-mile ride. Cyclists can participate in rides that start and end in Dade, Broward or Palm Beach counties, or go for longer stretches through counties. Rides begin in Miami-Dade at Sun Life Stadium, in Broward at Huizenga Plaza and in Palm Beach at CityPlace.

Along each route, water stops will be located about every 15 to 20 miles, with food, beverages, entertainment, restroom facilities, medical treatment and mechanical assistance available for riders.

Following the Dolphins Cycling Challenge weekend, cyclists will be honored by the Miami Dolphins on at a home game (to be announced). The check representing 100 percent of all rider-raised funds will be presented to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in a pregame on-field ceremony on that day, according to the event’s website at www.rideDCC.com.

One thing to keep in mind, participating in this fundraising event isn’t cheap. It’s $150 to register and there are fundraising requirements, depending on the distance you decide to ride. For more about that, go to the “ride,” then “registration” tabs at www.rideDCC.com.

Those who register will receive an official jersey, in-ride and post-ride food and beverages, medical supplies and assistance, as well as two tickets to the Miami Dolphins DCC celebratory game.

According to Bazargan, she will be announcing local training programs for cyclists who want to prepare for this event in a few weeks. For more information email hello@delraybeachtwilight.com or call 561-869-4916.

About Lisette:

Lisette Hilton, president of Words Come Alive, has had the luxury of reporting on health, fitness and other hot topics for more than 23 years. The long-time Boca Raton resident, University of Florida graduate and fitness buff writes for local, regional and national publications and websites. Find out more on www.wordscomealive.com.